Toby began his training in October after being selected for a coveted bursary by Seafarers UK and topped up by the Milo Hanlon Bursary. As a real alternative to university, the course combines study sessions and sea phase training at UKSA, with work as deckhands on superyachts. The course also includes a Foundation Degree inOperational Yacht Science delivered in conjunction with Falmouth Marine School and validated by the University of Plymouth. While working, students can typically earn €2,000 a month tax free (not including tips), and while once onboard a vessel almost all their living costs are covered by the yacht too. If sensible, students can graduate debt free and sail into a lucrative career.
Toby has spent many happy hours sailing with his Uncle Angus Ross Thompson and cites him as inspiration for the direction his career is now taking him in. Angus sailed round the world a few years ago and his tales of life at sea have given Toby a thirst for adventure too.
Toby explained; “I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do but my uncle told me about all the things that he had been doing while sailing around the world and it just grabbed me. Then he told me about the superyacht industry. I instantly thought, that’s the thing for me, no doubt in my mind. I really needed the funding to be able to do it and I’m really grateful to Seafarers as I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. Now I’m funded there’s a lot of pressure to do well, and the course is full-on, but it’s a good way of preparing for working in a busy industry. My ultimate goal is to work up to be a captain.”
As part of his cadetship, Toby will do an FdSc foundation degree in Operational Yacht Science at Falmouth Marine School.
